In the House

Hosted by Lonnie Armstrong and Michael Stolle

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Aug 2026

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Laid back conversations with builders, designers and creators to swap stories, ideas and best practices. Develop a passion and get a glimpse into the lives of the hard working people who create the world around you. Bi-weekly episodes. Produced by X Squared Media LLC.

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60 recent

August 19, 2026Episode 8047 min

Chasing client happiness is ruining your projects.

In this episode of the In The House Podcast, a construction podcast hosted by Lonnie and Michael continue their conversation with Eric Rauser, architect, builder, and founder of Rauser Construction in Austin, Texas for part two.They kick things off with construction pet peeves. Eric makes the case that fireplaces in Texas are almost completely unnecessary as a heat source in a modern high performance home — and that most of the time they end up as an afterthought that nobody fully thought through. He then delivers the funniest moment of the episode — why he once seriously considered starting a company that makes fake thermostats for VRF systems, complete with a button that would just ping his phone so he could call the homeowner and talk them down. Lonnie also weighs in on why manufacturer reps pushing their own products during pre-construction pricing is one of the most frustrating problems facing any custom home builder right now.Then the conversation shifts into client relationships. Eric challenges the entire concept of the bad client — arguing that a difficult client is almost always the result of a failure in communication skills or process on the builder's side, not a failure of the person. When high achieving people are put at an information deficit and feel out of control, they react emotionally. That is not a bad client, that is a human being who needed more from their home builder.They cover why proactive communication turns mistakes into opportunities to get closer to clients, why giving clients options puts control back in their hands, and why one of the most important mindset shifts any builder or project manager can make is understanding that happiness is not your goal. These are the kind of insights that come from decades inside the custom home building process — and they apply to every builder, contractor, and construction business trying to deliver at a high level.Whether you are a custom home builder, project manager, architect, or anyone who works with clients on high stakes projects — this episode will change how you think about the people you build for.🎙️ Guest: Eric Rauser | Architect + Builder | Rauser Construction🎧 Hosted by Lonnie & Michael | In The House Podcast inthehousepodcast.com #construction #homebuilding #podcast #austintexas #customhomes #generalcontractor #builderlife #clientrelationships #constructionbusiness #projectmanagement #architecturedesign #luxuryhomes #realestate #buildertips #constructionpetpeeves

August 10, 2026Episode 7938 min

Construction Details That Elevate a Home Without Breaking Your Budget

In this episode of the In The House Podcast, hosts Lonnie and Michael sit down with Eric Rauser, architect, builder, and founder of Rauser Construction in Austin, Texas. Eric's background is unlike most builders you will meet. He graduated from Cal Poly with a degree in architecture, worked at a firm in San Francisco where he learned construction detailing from an old school drafter who refused to use CAD sitting hip to hip with him every day, asking why every single decision was made the way it was. That foundation of understanding intent behind a detail is what separates the way Eric thinks from the average builder. He then moved to Austin in 2004 with his wife to start an architecture firm, survived the 2008 recession by cold calling Matt Risinger for project management work, and spent 11 years learning what it actually means to build at a high level before launching Rauser Construction. They also get into why Austin's construction community is genuinely different from every other Texas city the collaborative spirit, the cross-pollination of trades and architects, and why that openness is directly responsible for the quality of work being produced here. From there Eric walks through some of his favorite construction details real examples from real projects showing how small decisions made early in coordination with subs and architects can elevate a building without adding cost. Roof edge conditions, masonry flashing, steel fascia — details that most builders never think twice about but that make the difference between a house that looks intentional and one that just looks finished. 🎙️ Guest: Eric Rauser | Architect + Builder | Rauser Construction 🎧 Hosted by Lonnie & Michael | In The House Podcast #construction #architecture #homebuilding #podcast #austintexas #customhomes #generalcontractor #builderlife #constructiondetails #architecturedesign #luxuryhomes #realestate #constructionbusiness #austinbuilders #buildertips

July 29, 2026Episode 7850 min

How to choose an HVAC system you won't regret.

Stop wasting money on an HVAC system design that fails. Learn why a dehumidifier for HVAC is essential for achieving true home climate control performance.Optimizing your home comfort starts with understanding the hardware you choose. This discussion breaks down the critical relationship between equipment selection and installation quality. We examine why even the most expensive units struggle if the installation process is flawed, helping you avoid costly mistakes during your next project.We also cover the shift in market trends regarding VRF system cost. As these technologies become more accessible, understanding their practical application is necessary for homeowners and contractors alike. You will walk away with a clear understanding of how to balance high-end equipment with the installation standards required to actually see results.Subscribe for more construction podcast episodes and let us know in the comments: what is the biggest HVAC challenge you have faced in your home or on a project?🎙️ Guest: AIR RITE | Tel🎧 Hosted by Lonnie & Michael | In The House Podcast #construction #HVAC #homebuilding #podcast #austintexas #hvaclife #generalcontractor #customhomes #constructionbusiness #builderlife #hvactechnician #dehumidifier #vrfsystem #indoorairquality #hvacinstallation

June 30, 2026Episode 7752 min

Passive House - Is it actually worth it?

Learn how a passive house maintains perfect indoor comfort with almost no mechanical heating or cooling systems.This conversation breaks down the core principles of passive house design, specifically focusing on the essential rules of construction. We explore why a well-designed home relies on building physics rather than complex machinery to regulate temperature. This is for homeowners, architects, and builders interested in the science behind high-performance living environments.By understanding these construction standards, you can reduce energy reliance while creating a healthier, more stable living space. We discuss how specific insulation and airtightness techniques create an energy efficient home that functions naturally. If you are planning a renovation or new build, these sustainable construction methods offer a roadmap for long-term efficiency and comfort.Subscribe for more construction podcast episodes and let us know in the comments: what is the biggest challenge you face when trying to improve your home energy efficiency?🎙️ Guest: Nicholas Fair | Certified Passive House Engineer | Consulting Engineering Services🎧 Hosted by Lonnie & Michael | In The House Podcast #construction #passivehouse #homebuilding #podcast #austintexas #sustainablebuilding #energyefficiency #generalcontractor #customhomes #constructionbusiness #builderlife #greenbuilding #architecture #passivehousedesign

May 25, 202639 min

Builders Debate Building Enclosures

In this episode of the In The House Podcast, hosts Lonnie and Michael sit down with Ben Broughton for an unfiltered and controversial conversation. They kick things off with lien releases why one builder argues they are a complete waste of time, money, and paperwork that rarely protect you when it actually matters. They back it up with a real story of getting blindsided by a contractor who pocketed payments, filed a lien, and left them holding a $35,000 problem that a stack of signed lien releases couldn't fix.From there the conversation gets into spray foam is it actually toxic or has the industry been overcorrecting on the health concerns? They break down the chemistry, the real risks, and why by the time anyone moves into a house the danger window has long passed. Then they debate vapor open vs vapor closed building envelopes, mini splits vs gas furnaces, and why one builder thinks the industry's obsession with tight envelopes might be creating problems we won't see for another decade.And then there's the fossil fuel conspiracy the idea that John Rockefeller invented the term fossil fuels specifically to make oil seem like a finite resource and drive up its value. 🎙️ Guest: Ben Broughton | Lavaca Building Co.🎧 Hosted by Lonnie & Michael | In The House Podcast #construction #homebuilding #podcast #austintexas #buildertalk #hottakes #generalcontractor #customhomes #constructionbusiness #builderlife #realestate #constructiondebate #conspiracytheory #conspiracy

May 5, 2026Episode 7450 min

How jobsite protection saves you thousands. Ep. 74

In this episode of the In The House Podcast, hosts Lonnie and Michael sit down with Dan Barrett, founder of Texas Job Site Solutions, to have the conversation every builder, contractor, and project manager needs to hear. Unprotected job sites are silently bleeding money and most builders don't even realize how much until it's too late. Scratched glass, gouged hardwood floors, damaged countertops, and expensive callbacks are all symptoms of the same problem a job site that wasn't protected properly from day one.Dan breaks down why most builders underestimate the real cost of job site damage, the biggest mistakes he sees on sites across Texas, and why the solutions most people reach for like cheap tape and crossed fingers are often making the problem worse not better. They cover how to build a proper protection strategy from the very first day on site all the way through to final walkthrough, what products actually work in the Texas heat and humidity, and why protecting your job site is about more than just money it's about the standard you hold yourself to as a builder and the experience you deliver to your homeowner.The job site protection industry is currently valued at $1.8 billion and growing to $3 billion the builders who build protection into their process now are going to save money, reduce callbacks, protect their reputation, and deliver a finished product their clients are proud of. This episode gives you the blueprint to do exactly that.🎙️ Guest: Dan Barrett | Founder | Texas Job Site Solutions 🎧 Hosted by Lonnie & Michael | In The House Podcast#construction #jobsite #homebuilding #podcast #generalcontractor #customhomes #jobsiteprotection #constructionbusiness #builderlife #contractortips #luxuryhomes #realestate #constructiontips

April 20, 2026Episode 7351 min

Ep. 73 - The New Way Americans Are Building Their Homes

In this episode of the In The House Podcast, hosts Lonnie and Michael sit down with Austin-based architect Winn Whitman to discuss the topics reshaping how Americans live and build their homes.The housing crisis is forcing families to rethink everything and Winn is seeing it firsthand in his designs. From dual primary suites to ADUs and flexible multigenerational floor plans, he breaks down exactly how home design is shifting to accommodate multiple generations under one roof and why it might be the smartest move families can make right now.They also get into the wisdom economy and why in a world full of AI and free information, real expertise and experience are becoming more valuable than ever. Winn shares why he believes robots will never fully replace seasoned architects.And if that wasn't enough, Winn takes us through his wild career journey from buying a $105,000 unfinished building at 27 and finishing it with a crew from a homeless shelter, to getting blindsided by a contractor who was embezzling money and deliberately stalling his project.Whether you're a homeowner, builder, architect, real estate investor, or just someone trying to understand where housing in America is heading this episode is for you.🎙️ Guest: Winn Whitman | Architect | Custom Home Design🎧 Hosted by Lonnie & Michael | In The House Podcast#construction #architecture #podcast #homebuilding #craftsman #austintexas #customhomes #generationaliving #multigenerational #AIvsexperience #artificialintelligence #housingcrisis #realestate #constructionbusiness #familyhome #architecturedesign #wisdomeconomy #inthehousepodcast

March 31, 2026Episode 7250 min

Ep. 72 - Tim Hill & Daniel Glauser

This week on the In the House podcast, Tim Hill and Daniel Glauser of Risinger Build, talk with us about what makes up the typical residential construction field team. Tim and Daniel also share with us some wisdom they acquired over the years about creating good habits, keeping their teams on track, and why contractors are responsible for driving quality. We also get into their new podcast "Work in Process."If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and share with a friend!-Links:https://publicinput.com/criteriamanualreviewhttps://www.risingerbuild.com/-Show Sponsors:Trade Markshttps://trademarklayout.com/-Produced by X Squared Media LLC.-Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/cruen/in-the-nowLicense code: FAWJTXIMJBZ9LFRLPhoto Source:https://copconstruction.com/5-tips-to-successfully-manage-a-multigenerational-construction-crew/#

February 24, 2026Episode 7137 min

Ep. 71 - Michael Stolle - Stolle Studios

On this episode of In the House Michael tells us his big news! Also, we reflect on Michael's time as a builder and some of the lessons learned.If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and share with a friend!-Links:www.stollestudios.com-Show Sponsors:Trade Markshttps://trademarklayout.com/-Produced by X Squared Media LLC.-Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/cruen/in-the-nowLicense code: FAWJTXIMJBZ9LFRL

February 10, 2026Episode 7039 min

Ep. 70 - Vish - Consulting Engineering Services

On this episode of In the House we discuss the benefits of having a custom designed mechanical system for your residential project. Also, what are some things you should consider before hiring a mechanical engineer.If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and share with a friend!-Links:ceseng.com-Show Sponsors:Trade Markshttps://trademarklayout.com/-Produced by X Squared Media LLC.-Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/cruen/in-the-nowLicense code: FAWJTXIMJBZ9LFRL

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